American Kennel Club Honors Margaret Silverthorn, President of the English Springer Spaniel Club

American Kennel Club Honors Margaret Silverthorn, President of the English Springer Spaniel Club

New York , NY – The American Kennel Club ® announced at its quarterly Delegates’ meeting that Margaret Silverthorn, President of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island, has been named a recipient of the AKC ® Community Achievement Award for her devoted works as a public educator, fundraiser, club officer, newsletter editor, and event chair. Silverthorn received one of two awards for third quarter of 2010– Tom Freeman , of the Channel City Kennel Club in California also received recognition.

The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

Silverthorn, president of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island (NY) , has devoted 29 years as a public educator, fundraiser, club officer, newsletter editor, event chair, and trainer on behalf of the English Springer Spaniel (ESS) and other breeds. Known as “Marge, the Springer Lady,” she joined other ESS owners to host community service booths at the Riverhead Country Fair and appeared on local television with information about the ESS breed and rescue activities. As a co-founder of ESS Rescue, she has provided counseling to owners faced with giving up their dogs and guidance to rescue volunteers. Through her efforts, many dogs remained pets and companions rather than being inappropriately placed or needlessly euthanized.

“AKC congratulates Margaret for her dedication to educating the public,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC’s Director of Government Relations. “Her focus on teaching the public about her breed, and her dedication to English Springer Spaniel Rescue is a great achievement and deserves recognition.”

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm

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The American Kennel Club , founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery, the AKC Museum of the Dog and the AKC Humane Fund. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

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